Challenges in real traffic - Test Area Autonomous Driving Baden-Württemberg

The Test Area Autonomous Driving Baden-Württemberg (TAF-BW) is a laboratory with real conditions for testing mobility concepts. It aims to promote the development of future-oriented solutions for individual transport and local public transport. Since 2018 the TAF BW provides a platform for companies and research institutions to test future-oriented technologies for connected and automated driving in everyday road traffic. The development and improvement of the non-discriminatory accessible test area is funded by the state of Baden-Württemberg and covers all relevant road types. Therefore various sections of the existing road infrastructure in the cities of Karlsruhe and Heilbronn were prepared, high-precision 3D maps were generated, sensors for real-time recording and anonymization of traffic and its influencing factors were installed, and fast data transmission systems are provided. A particular focus of the TAF-BW is local public transport. As an example, starting in 2020, three autonomous mini shuttles will be tested within the project “EVA-Shuttle” (electrical, connected and autonomously driving electric mini buses in public traffic).